An Autumn Moment by Merrill Coffin
Merrill Coffin’s work has always captured the quiet poetry of rural life, and this autumn scene is no exception. In the painting done in 1995, the bold red of a male cardinal perched atop a weathered fence post draws the eye immediately. Just below, a female cardinal rests delicately on the barbed wire, her warm, muted tones blending beautifully with the goldenrod pushing up through the fence line.
In the foreground, the white bark of a birch tree catches the soft light of a late fall afternoon. On one of its sturdy branches, another male cardinal keeps watch, his crimson feathers a brilliant contrast against the pale bark. Beyond the fence, a golden field stretches toward a tree line where autumn’s final leaves cling to the branches, glowing in shades of amber and gold.
Overhead, the sky is a tapestry of greys—heavy clouds promising snow or rain, hinting at the season’s change. There’s a hush to the scene, the kind that often comes in late autumn, when nature holds its breath before winter’s arrival.
This painting isn’t just a portrait of cardinals; it’s a portrait of the season itself. The warmth of the golden field and vibrant plumage meets the cool anticipation of the coming storm, creating a moment suspended in time. Merrill Coffin invites us to slow down, take in the details, and feel the connection between the changing landscape and the life it shelters.
Whether you’re a lover of nature, a fan of Coffin’s artistry, or simply someone who finds peace in the countryside, this piece is a vivid reminder of autumn’s fleeting beauty—and the enduring presence of life within it.
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